-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Posted on September 3, 2014 Leave a Comment
The Symphony No. 9 in D minor, Op. 125 (sometimes known simply as “the Choral”), is the final complete symphony of Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827). Completed in 1824, the symphony is one of the best-known works of the repertoire of classical music. Among critics, it is almost universally considered to be among Beethoven’s greatest works, […]
Posted on September 1, 2014 Leave a Comment
I have some unfinished business and I’m launching a new one. When I left my job about a year ago, I had two goals: 1 – write my first book. 2 – finish the NYC Marathon in under 4 hours. Well, I accomplished one of the goals – I wrote and published Stonewall to Obama. […]
Posted on August 10, 2014 1 Comment
My long lost friend Hebert and I just connected on Facebook. Here’s his chapter from my book Stonewall to Obama. Don’t Leave Me This Way When I returned from Pentwater, it was obvious that the relationship with Charles was over. I couldn’t stay sober and live with a raging alcoholic. I needed to find a […]
Posted on August 3, 2014 Leave a Comment
In the livingroom along with Grandma’s Steinway there was a pipe organ. Sometimes on Sunday mornings, organ music would fill the house like a clarion calling all good christians to rise. I’d tiptoe down the spiral staircase, still in my footy pajamas, to spy on whomever was making this magical music. Sometimes, when I was […]
Posted on July 31, 2014 Leave a Comment
“Over There” is a 1917 song popular with United States soldiers in both world wars. It was a “propaganda” song designed to galvanize American young men to enlist in the army and fight the “Hun”. It was written by George M. Cohan in April 1917. Americans believed at that time that the war would be […]
Posted on July 30, 2014 Leave a Comment
My new book is a love letter to the ghost in my grandparent’s attic. It was inspired by Gordon Lightfoot’s 1971 song If You Could Read my Mind. I can’t wait to share it with you soon. If you could read my mind, love What a tale my thoughts could tell Just like an old-time […]
Posted on July 29, 2014 Leave a Comment
As the first draftees appeared at their inductions in 1917, the nation’s lyricists were already questioning the loyalty of the immigrants. “What Kind of An American Are You?” starts with a conciliatory tone, but turns brazen and demanding. “This land of the free,” we and they are assured, “is for you and for me. / […]
Posted on July 25, 2014 Leave a Comment
I didn’t fully understand Grandma’s fascination with Beethoven. Sure, it was a great story – the dude was deaf after all when he composed his greatest works. But, as a 5 year old, it’s hard to grasp the subtle nuances and complexities of life. It wasn’t until Stanley Kubrick’s Clockwork Orange came out that I […]
Posted on July 25, 2014 Leave a Comment
In the music room stood a bronze bust of Beethoven. As a tiny child he always scared me. But one afternoon Grandma took my tiny hand and to calm my fear she told me the story of Ludwig Van. The quote I’ll never forget was, “Don’t only practice your art, but force your way into […]
Culver McCall 